Abortion/Help....

Advertisement

Expert: - 9/8/2011


Question
Hi I'm 17 and I had a abortion a surgical one. About 8 months ago And ever since then I have bleed every time during intercourse and it was a 2 day. Abortion. And they had to dilate my cervix. And now it just hurts and bleeds when I have intercourse .

Answer
Hello, Catrina,

What you are experiencing definitely indicates that they did some damage. This is quite common, but this is more than they normally expect. You will probably need a doctor's care to deal with the problem, whatever it might be. Don't go back to the place that did the abortion. They won't care, and they won't want to admit they hurt you.

When they dilate the cervix, they cause a lot of damage anyway. This can cause serious birth defects in your future children, so when you do become pregnant, please get good prenatal care and tell the doctor you have had a surgical abortion. You may need for him to take measures to safeguard your child.

Also, you will be much more prone to get breast cancer while you are still young. I recommend that you take Vitamin D3 for the rest of your life. 5000IU a day is a good dose to start. You will need your blood tested periodically to make sure you are getting the right amount.

While it is good you found out you have a problem, if you are not married, you shouldn't even be having intercourse. If you continue, you will probably wind up pregnant again. It's only a matter of time. This is true even if you use "protection". It is not in your best interests. If your boyfriend won't respect your body and your integrity, find someone else. It won't be easy, but you will be much better off. He owes it to you not to put you at risk or cause you to live in fear of pregnancy.

Find a doctor who knows abortion is bad medicine, and work with him. If you have trouble finding one, either ask some of the members of La Leche League, or find an organization in your area that helps women who have experienced abortion. They can refer you to a doctor. To find an organization in your area, please go to this web site:

http://www.optionline.org/

Good luck. Let me know how you do. If you need to talk about your feelings about having had an abortion, let me know. I can talk to you about it.

Abortion

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Pat G

Expertise

I can help women with the consideration of their decision, and with resources, and I can share my own experiences as the mother of seven and grandmother of eleven. My approach is to show love and concern, and help women work through the issues, emotional, spiritual, practical. I also help women deal with boyfriend and family issues. I am not a doctor, but I have done extensive medical research, so I may be able to help with information. I am female. When you write, if you are or were pregnant, please tell me how far along you were or are, and if you have had an abortion, please tell me what kind. Thank you.

Experience

I have been working with women who are considering abortion for several years. I also work with women who have had abortions. Our family has also experienced adoption, so I can talk about that as well.

Education/Credentials
I am mostly self-taught. I also studied midwifery for awhile. I have spent years doing research on this topic. In fact, I have been doing research and working in this area since the early 1970's. I have been helping women online for a few years, under the guidance of a woman who was formally training in counseling.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.